AUGUST 17, 2000

Button signs for Benetton

JENSON BUTTON confirmed on Thursday that he has signed for the Benetton for the next two years.

Button, 20, has made a big impression in his first season with BMW-Williams.

He was under a five-years contract with Williams and the Williams team's owner Frank Williams has an option to bring him back for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Button will replace Alexander Wurz at Flavio Briatore's Benetton team, who will be re-branded Renault in 2002. The Briton will partner Giancarlo Fisichella.

"I will always be eternally grateful to Frank Williams and Patrick Head at Williams for giving me my great opportunity in Formula One," said Button. "I have some unfinished business at Williams and I'm looking forward to the remaining races of the season.

"I'm really looking forward to racing with Renault, Flavio Briatore, and Benetton. Both Renault and Flavio have shown that they know how to win and I'm expecting their package to be excellent, which will enable me to continue to drive competitively.

"Giancarlo is also rated as a great driver and I'm looking forward to working alongside him. All in all, the future looks bright."